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GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 17 AUGUST 26, 2021
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WILTON MANORS
UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING Low inventory drives up cost
By John McDonald As more data from the United States Census Bureau is released, a snapshot of America’s cities is coming into focus. In Wilton Manors housing and rental costs rank above national averages. The Census Bureau listed the city’s median gross rent from 2015 to 2019 as $1,420. The national average was $1,062. For workers, many employed in the city’s restaurant and bar industry, rental prices make life harder, not better. James Oaksun, a South Florida realtor, said a worker making $15 an hour has little to no chance of landing their own apartment in the Island City. “They would have to have a roommate and even then the inventory is very limited,” Oaksun said. The going rate in the Wilton Manors rental market is at least $1,500 for two bedrooms and one bath, said realtor Amber Taylor. “It’s a sad state of affairs for those who might bag our groceries, serve our drinks and dare I say teach or work for our city,” Taylor said. The lack of low-income housing is only part of the equation. A deeper dive into Census data shows Wilton Manors’ median value of owner-occupied housing units was $326,600, well above the national rate of $217,500. Median monthly owner costs with a
mortgage came to $1,967, and without a mortgage came to $719. The national averages were $1,595 and $500. However, all of those figures come with a big asterisk — they were tallied before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Mike Trottier, a real estate agent with Dettman Realty Group, said COVID-19 dramatically changed the market. “Showings and closings stopped for a long time and that pent-up demand,” Trottier said. “Then the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates to record lows and that also added to the pent-up demand.” Once stay-at-home orders were lifted and showings and transactions resumed, that pent-up demand flooded the market, Trottier said. “Competing offers drove bidding wars which increased the sale prices that people were willing to pay,” he said. Other forces, Trottier said, were millennials taking advantage of historically low-interest rates and entering the market for the first time, while older people simultaneously prepared for retirement by purchasing second homes. Housing is briefly mentioned in a draft of Wilton Manors’ strategic plan for the next five years. Objectives related to housing in the plan include increasing density to accommodate residential development
James Oaksun, a South Florida realtor, said a worker making $15 an hour has little to no chance of landing their own apartment in the Island City.
Photo credit: rWorks, via Flickr.
and assessing and evaluating the use and necessity of city-owned real estate. Taylor said she hasn’t noticed any indications the city’s plan will help lowincome renters and middle-class families. “If anything the multifamily housing still deemed affordable is being torn down and replaced with second homes for the more fortunate who come down on a seasonal basis,” she said. “We have no concept of tenant protection or rent-controlled apartments like the other big metro areas.” Information about the first-time homebuyers purchase assistance program can be found on the city’s website.
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Administered in partnership with Broward County’s Housing Finance and Community Redevelopment Division, the program offers a maximum of $40,000 per household for firsttime homebuyers seeking to live in Wilton Manors. Trottier said as the pandemic subsides, inventory will increase and the market will begin to normalize. He predicted prices will continue to rise but not at the same pace of the last six months. “With safety protocols and the vaccine being more widespread and effective, more sellers feel comfortable and inventory is slowly rising,” he said.
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WILTON MANORS
OPINION
Kudos to Mayor Newton for Showing Leadership at Tuesday’s Meeting
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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residents, listened to city staff and understands the tough choices our city needs to make to bring us securely into future sustainability. Similarly, Commissioner Chris Caputo and Vice Mayor Paul Rolli were equally engaged, informed, and looked to move the process along to final approval. Both at times expressing confusion and disagreement at comments made by Commissioner Resnick along the way. On a few occasions reminding Commissioner Resnick that the information he was questioning was all in the back-up material and to ask what was the point of such obstruction-ary inquiry at such a stage in the process. Many thanks to our four elected officials who voted to approve the very important ordinances on Tuesday night. The first ordinance is the creation of the TOC-West, which changes the zoning along the Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Blvd corridor. The second ordinance was much more detailed and included issues such as density, height restrictions and permitted
usage and was much more contentious. Both ordinances reached this final stage with many years of input, Planning & Zoning meetings, community outreach, commission hearings, changes based on public input, compromise, and adjustments. Final passage on Tuesday night was a culmination of much input and discussion. We don’t always get what we want, but we should be able to work together, compromise when needed, and be able to do what is right and necessary for our community. That is what makes us a great city. Commitment and professionalism of our city staff makes us a great city. Active community involvement makes us a great city. Commissioner Bracchi, Commissioner Caputo and Vice Mayor Rolli make us a great city. And yes, Commissioner Resnick over the years has helped make us a great city, however one must question what his recent obstructionisms is all about. And finally, our Mayor Scott Newton, with is wonderous finale on Tuesday night, deserves the exclamation of surprise and astonishment of, “Great Scott.” The passage of these very important two ordinances this past Tuesday night will ensure that life in our Island City will remain just better here….
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August 26, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 17
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I am sure many in the chambers, city management, and those following at home on Zoom let out a similar gasp of surprise and astonishment.
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By Sal Torre A somewhat outdated phrase from days gone by, used to express surprise and astonishment. “Great Scott”- it’s the perfect phrase to use after Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. Our Island City Mayor Scott Newton finished a long debate with a surprise rebuttal to Commissioner Gary Resnick’s diatribe of how city staff mishandled bringing two very important ordinances through the process. Great Scott! Words came rushing out deep within me — finally someone calling out the baseless rhetoric coming from Commissioner Resnick. Years, not months, of waiting, years of public meetings, years of changes, years of delays, and years of listening to Commissioner Resnick claim that the process was somehow deficient, that staff did not do a good job of informing the public, that this was wrong and that was wrong. Finally last night, before the final vote, having heard from all the commissioners’ final comments, Mayor Scott Newton had his opportunity and seized it masterfully and courageously. I am sure many in the chambers, city management, and those following at home on Zoom let out a similar gasp of surprise and astonishment. Many perked up and were reminded why we voted for Scott to be our mayor in the first place – leadership. Leadership is not an easy road and Newton could have chosen not to make such a robust statement that night. However there are times when honesty and decency need to make a stand and last night was one of those times. I thank you Scott Newton, residents throughout our city thank you, and I am sure that our hard working and dedicated city staff thank you. Great job Scott Newton. Fellow members of our City Commission deserve credit and recognition of their steadfast commitment to our city and its future. Commissioner Mike Bracchi demonstrated his commitment to make the tough decisions we elect our public officials for in the first place. Getting past the misinformation, the accusations by some during Public Comments of retribution, and the divisiveness over the past year, Commissioner Bracchi looked at the facts, listened to the consultants, listened to
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COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors Officially Increases Density, Heights for Buildings in City By John McDonald Wilton Manors Commissioners finalized changes to the city’s code at its regular meeting Tuesday evening. The much-debated changes to Article 30 of the city’s Unified Land Development Regulations passed on a 4-to-1 vote. The changes essentially increase density, adjust heights and setbacks and add properties to the city’s transit-oriented corridors. “It’s been a long road but I think we’ve been able to preserve our neighborhoods with all the changes we’ve made,” said Mayor Scott Newton. Commissioner Gary Resnick cast the lone no vote, objecting to allowing 90-foot buildings in the city and questioning the honesty of the process. Resnick, attending via Zoom, noted the state had fined the city for a sewer discharge and said increased density would only hamper an already stressed sewer system. “I think this goes too far in the balance of what developers want,” Resnick said, adding, “the impact on our quality of life is going to be tremendous” and “traffic is already a nightmare.” Newton responded that he was hurt by Resnick’s suggestion the planning process was intentionally misguided. “Wilton Manors is changing in a way that is a nice step at a time,” Newton said. “We are not doing leaps and bounds like Fort Lauderdale. We’re not doing the 20-30 story buildings like Fort Lauderdale. I don’t want that either. I think it’s a nice compromise and it will be a nice aesthetic look.” Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said development changes are vital for the city’s future and commended Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore for her dedication to seeing the project through. “It’s a major undertaking,” Rolli said. “Our goal here is to increase our tax base so that the city can become fiscally sustainable as it grows in the future. It’s not all about tomorrow, it’s about 10, 15, 20 years from now.” Commissioner Mike Bracchi said there was a lot of public engagement and compromise. “I think we did a really good job with this,” Bracchi said. Density is calculated at 60 units per acre and caveats were added to eliminate microunits. The new laws also permit drivethrough windows for banks, coffee shops and pharmacies in the city’s east and west zones. Commissioners also discussed developer agreements, variances and waivers. “In my experience, in all the years I’ve been
NEWS
OAKLAND PARK
Man Hit by Tri-Rail Train in Oakland Park By Christiana Lilly An unnamed man was killed after being hit by a Tri-Rail train in Oakland Park the morning of Aug. 16. The man was struck at Prospect Road and Powerline Road at 8:44 p.m. and was lying dead next to the tracks when fire rescue arrived, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. His name has not been released as law enforcement is working to notify the next of kin. BSO says that the man was sitting on the railroad tracks facing east; the conductor of the Tri-Rail train turned on the horn and emergency brakes, but “the victim was unable to move off the tracks and was struck by the train.” Crime scene and homicide detectives determined that there was no “suspicious trauma or foul play” and the man’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office for further examination.
Tri-Rail. Photo via Facebook.
Photo via PxHere.
doing this a variance is a lot harder to prove than a waiver,” said planning consultant Jim Hickey. During the public hearing, several residents voiced concerns. Mark Seymour, one of the owners of Hunter’s Nightclub, said he felt vulnerable that his business could be forced out of its Wilton Drive location by changes to city code. Meanwhile, resident Michael Pierce, the partner of former Mayor John Fiore, said there would be “consequences” if development creeps into eastside neighborhoods. Others asked for a shift in focus to Andrews Avenue on the westside. “Moving forward, I hope this commission realizes that there is another street other than the Drive,” said resident Jake Valentine. “Take your blinders off because you’ve done a wonderful job. It’s done … other than some damn trees and remember there’s the Avenue.” Tuesday night’s four-hour meeting was the first gathering inside commission chambers since a positive coronavirus diagnosis was reported to health officials from the July 2728 meetings. The majority of attendees wore masks with the exception of a few members of the public. Facial coverings are required for employees inside city buildings, said Johnnie Goodnight, Wilton Manors LGBT liaison.
NEWS
WILTON MANORS
Auto Show Revs Up In Wilton Manors By John Hayden Engines will be purring this weekend at the Wilton Manors Car Show. Cool cars will find their spot outside Wilton Manors City Hall and compete for trophies and bragging rights. Cobra Joe Productions (CJP) is hosting the event along with the Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board and Wilton Dive Improvement District. CJP gave us a glimpse of what will be rolling in. “Our car shows are open to hot rods, customs, muscle cars, tricked-out trucks, classic motorcycles, late models, and, of course, the classics.” Trophies will be abundant, as cars will be competing in 40 categories including Best of Show. Helping complete the Sunday Funday will be food and drink will be available and DJ Tom Caminiti hosting. Best of all, admission is free. If you think your car is cool enough to take
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“Dream Car Classic,” a show hosted in 2016 by Cobra Joe Productions. Courtesy photo.
home a prize, registration is $20. The event is Sunday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall, 2020 Wilton Drive.
For more details go to their website at CobraJoeProductions.com.
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Don’t miss a
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WILTON MANORS
tastE Feeling the hunger?
Map courtesy of Chris Caputo.
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Approved Development Rules Ensure Responsible Growth in Wilton Manors The idea of growth and development in our charming city has been a very polarizing issue for years. With the final approval of our new development rules at the Aug. 24th commission meeting, I am optimistic that all residents will appreciate the positive changes we have enacted with the passing of “Article 30.” While most residents in Central and West Wilton overwhelming supported the proposed changes to height and density, the East Side was far more divided. Knowing that our goal was to encourage development while also protecting our neighborhoods, we found a winwin solution for concerned nearby neighbors and potential future developers. I would like to take a moment to specifically demonstrate how these new rules will better protect nearby homes by giving an example from the East Side. The hub map shows the newly approved heights which can allow for an “incentive additional height” if a developer delivers a superior product by including things like enhanced landscaping, street activation and public art. The majority is the North and South Side of 26th Street is color coded pink, guaranteeing a developer the right to build five stories and potentially building six. A small portion of 26th Street shown in red, which isn’t directly adjacent to any single-family homes, allows between 6-8 stories. Any area in white has not been affected by these new rules. It’s incredibly important to know that this pink area on the east side previously legally allowed for five-story buildings! Our city attorney was responsible in pointing out that if we decreased the maximum height in this area, the city could be held liable for decreasing the value of the land and incur significant legal and settlement expenses. Not only did our previous development rules allow for five-story heights on those properties along NE 26th St., but they also allowed for building designs that created a canyon effect over neighboring homes. If you
lived directly behind one of these parcels, you might have found yourself looking straight up at a five-story building wall that was literally 10 feet from your property line. With a rear set back (distance from the property line) of 10 feet, your backyard would no longer feel like a private sanctuary. While it is true that we increased the height from five to six stories for the parcels highlighted in pink on the map, we did so in a way that built in new safeguards for concerned residents. Rather than allow a five-story building 10 feet from the backyard of a singlefamily home, our new rules require a 45-foot set back from adjacent homes. If the building is more than three stories, the 4th story and above must be set back an additional 20 feet. This is what we have referred to as the wedding cake affect, and it ensures that nearby properties won’t be overshadowed. I would certainly rather have a six-story building whose top floor was 65 feet from my backyard than a five-story flat-walled building just 10 feet from my property line, wouldn’t you? Article 30 required a tremendous amount of creativity and compromise to come up with rules that are better protect residents and make new development feasible in our city. By allowing developers to build up to 60 units per acre (compared to 25 previously) and providing for additional height in some areas, we were able to ensure that development was financially viable and build in new safeguards that better protected our neighborhoods. I wish to thank every single stakeholder who shared their ideas and concerns with us. I personally read every email and listened to every resident who reached out to me and I will continue to do so. If you have any questions or concerns about the new development rules, please email me at ccaputo@wiltonmanors. com or text 954-557-2801.
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— Chris Caputo
WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER